How Berlin’s ‘unconstitutional’ rent cap could make UK cities more affordable
This month, the government in Karlsruhe, Germany, ruled that the 'mietendeckel' — the rent cap — in place in the capital, was unconstitutional. However, UK campaigners say it could provide Britain's housing system with a much-needed overhaul. The rent cap was designed to protect tenants from exploitative landlords taking advantage of the amount of tech start-ups coming to the city. The business mogul Elon Musk, who is currently negotiating with the UK government to build a Tesla gigafactory in Somerset, is also trying to build two factories just outside of Berlin. With the rent cap scrapped, Germans could face a rise in rent, making it more difficult to live in the city. The most a landlord could previously charge in Berlin was €552 per month. The average rent in London is £715 per month. This spike in international business risks a significant increase in rent for British tenants. There is also wide public support for a rent cap initiative in Britain. Britain has often been listed as the country with the poorest, and most expensive, housing in Europe. As tenants spend a significant portion of their income on rent, many find it difficult to move higher up on the property ladder, leaving them trapped in overpriced housing for years. The Bartlett School of Planning, part of the University of London, found that most new housing built in the UK should not have been built due to major design flaws. The report also found that people in poorer communities were 10 times more likely to be living in a poorly designed home, a gap which could widen if rent prices are not brought under control. Germany was one of the only countries in Europe to have a rent cap and there was evidence that the initiative worked: Berlin's economy remained relatively similar to the years prior to the rent cap being introduced, despite the international profile of the city growing quickly. Although the cap has been scrapped, there's ample evidence to show that the UK would benefit from having a similar initiative. London is the 22nd most expensive city in the world to live in, although the city recently dropped in the rankings due to Brexit-related financial damage. Rent in the city can often be over £1000 a month, despite the living wage in London only being around £2 higher than the rest of the country. Due to this, Londoners face huge inequality, and this isn't helped by the fact that tenants have far fewer rights than landlords, and not enough money to challenge them legally. But is it possible to implement an effective rent control strategy in the UK? There are legitimate concerns about the initiative. It may cause landlords to decrease the amount of money they're willing to spend on caring for their properties, or they may subdivide their apartments, meaning tenants can only rent smaller accommodation. This would be possible under a form of rent control which does not allow landlords to increase it due to wider economic circumstances like inflation. However, according to the housing charity Shelter, it is possible to implement one which allows rent to increase in line with the Retail Price and the Consumer Price Indexes, both of which measure inflation — these would mean if the country is going through a period of economic prosperity, consumers are able to spend more on property rental. Baroness Alicia Kennedy, a pro-union pressure groups’ director, says: “High rents force people into poverty and make it almost impossible to save towards the future. No one should have to spend more than 30 per cent of their income on rent, yet this is a reality for most Londoners who are stuck in the private rented sector. “Londoners urgently need bold action to make renting more affordable. Investment in housebuilding is needed to make renting more affordable long-term, but rent controls would offer immediate protection and relief.” Both indexes increase and decrease depending on whether the country is seeing an economic upturn or downturn; the idea is that the possibility of attaining more money in the future would act as an incentive for landlords to keep their properties in the best condition possible to make them more attractive to subsequent renters. Although it is evident that, in the end, the UK's housing market needs to move away from the current model, in which most property is provided and maintained by private landlords, to one which offers more affordable social housing. Since the aim would not be for the government to make a profit in the properties — they would be subsidised by taxed income — it would be easier for consumers to remain in secure housing, and there would be no need for the price to increase with inflation for the same reason. However, given the political leanings of the current UK government, an economy which prioritises social housing seems like a pipe dream. The only feasible way to mitigate the ever-rising rent costs in the country is to implement a Berlin-style rent cap. Doing so could calm the housing market and help to prevent rogue landlords exploiting their tenants.
Postponed and Circumstance: Sheffield students denied formal graduation for the second year running
There will be little pomp and circumstance for final year students at the University of Sheffield, where summer graduation has been postponed for the second year in a row.
Many of the hallmarks of university life have been a distant dream for students since the onset of the pandemic, but now the culminating moment of robed recognition has been stripped away as well. Graduating students from the classes of 2020 and 2021 were notified on 21 April that the University would be unable to hold physical ceremonies as hoped this year.
A statement from the Events Team acknowledged the difficult circumstances: “We want nothing more than to celebrate with you at an in-person ceremony, but these events involve thousands of people travelling to Sheffield from all over the UK and the world, and require many months of planning, meaning we need to take this decision now.”
Students due to graduate in July 2021 took to social media to express their frustration.
Final year BA Hispanic Studies student, Annalucia Sodo, shared in her disappointment and frustration over the postponement of a ceremony she had “always dreamed of”.
“Without a doubt, having a physical ceremony would have been a great reward for me,” the Italian student said.
Ms Sodo understood the University’s decision, but said that more attention should have been paid to students earlier: “The University could have made more effort to organise a ceremony at least in the summer, maybe in small social distanced groups as it seems that the lockdown is easing and the vaccine campaign is progressing well.”
Despite the government’s promise that all lockdown measures would be behind us by 21 June, the University of Sheffield joins dozens of other institutions that have made the tough call to cancel their ceremonies.
Durham, Newcastle, Manchester, and Edinburgh are just a few of the universities that will face student frustration over cancelled or postponed ceremonies.
The University of Sheffield's Students' Union
Image Credit: Brandon O'Connell
Image Credit: Brandon O'Connell. The graduate and his grandfather shared a special moment at a family barbecue-turned-graduation event.
Student occupation of university building will continue despite legal threats
Legal proceedings are being considered by the University of Sheffield to put a halt to the occupation of a campus building by students demanding a 30% rent reduction.
The University of Sheffield is currently trying to obtain an interim possession order to remove the demonstrators from the Arts Tower near Weston Park.
The occupation began at 5am on 23 April. Students entered the buildings and sealed off doors using bike locks and plan to stay indefinitely.
Dan, a first-year Politics and International Relations student at the University of Sheffield, told Sheffield Wire: "After 103 students have been on rent strike since January the university has never acknowledged it properly, even though we have all sent individual emails to the Vice-Chancellor.
"Universities are there to serve students but at the moment this feels like it is being run like a private business. All we have wanted is a conversation with the Vice-Chancellor, we have been forced into doing this occupation."
The group of students, who communicate via the @rentstrikeUoS Twitter account, are demanding a rebate for students who have lived in student accommodation over the lockdown.
They are demanding a rent reduction of 30% for the remainder of the academic year and a refund of 30% on rent paid from January, a no-penalty early release clause from contracts, and for all students to be offered a full refund of rent for the duration of the recent national lockdown.
The final date for rent payment for students at University of Sheffield accommodation is 6 May.
Some students have received automatic refunds or rent reductions, but only if they have not been living in their accommodation during the pandemic.
A University of Sheffield spokesperson said: "The University has not charged rent to students who are unable to make use of their university owned or managed accommodation due to the government's restrictions and had established a £3 million COVID Support Fund for those facing financial difficulties.
"While the University cannot control the decisions of private landlords, we are continuing to work closely with the Student's Union to ensure we are providing students with the most effective and appropriate support."
The students say the university has not done enough to compensate for the "complete disregard for our safety and wellbeing", and that all students should be given reductions and refunds.
Dan pointed to the university selling 'essential' food and toiletry packages for self-isolating students for £49.25, vegetarian food packages that contained meat products, and mental health support in the form of colouring books and origami sets, as examples of the university's failure to provide adequate support.
The University of Sheffield occupation has taken place in coordination with Sheffield Hallam, as well as students from University of Nottingham and University of Manchester.
Regarding the organised efforts, Dan said: "It's been coordinated since January among the different universities so we can get national press."
After entering the buildings, students unfurled large banners protesting against their treatment by the university.
The students occupying the Arts Tower have been denied access to kettles and microwaves on health and safety grounds, and were told not to obstruct the fire exits.
Yet, the students later discovered the security team had locked the fire doors, contradicting the regulations issued to the students.
Bird breeder slams man who stole bird eggs from the wild
A bird breeder has condemned the theft of 200 bird eggs from the countryside as "disgusting" and "selfish". Richard Booth, 54, a bird breeder from Derby, said: “Simply plucking [the eggs] from the wild is incredibly dangerous and disgusting behaviour. We study the birds extensively before taking on the task of breeding them. “He could have easily killed hundreds of poor animals because of his selfish behaviour.” Terence Potter, 64, of Cumberworth Lane, Huddersfield was arrested after complaints were made to the South Yorkshire Police that a man was believed to be taking eggs from the wild across Yorkshire and Derbyshire. He was given a 12-week suspended sentence and fined £248 at Sheffield Magistrates’ Court last Friday. Other residents were dissatisfied by Porter’s 12-week suspended sentence. Kay Wyatt, 66, said: “What's the point? The police work hard to get their man and protect the wildlife. The sentence isn’t a deterrent, it’s a joke.” Bernard Weakend added: “In the States, poaching protected animals can carry up to a maximum $250,000 fine and up to two years in prison. It is sad he only got a slap on the wrist.” Sheffield Rural and Wildlife Crime Officer, PC Elizabeth Wilson, said the police took Wildlife offences very seriously in South Yorkshire. She said: “We have beautiful countryside that is inhabited by wildlife and it’s our job to protect and preserve the lives of the animals, to protect species from decline, not take or capture them for personal gain.” Along with the 200 eggs, officers also found an incubator containing seven unhatched eggs, which were taken to Smiths Nursery in Thorngumbald to be cared for until they hatched, and taxidermy items.
A Golden Plover
Sheffield Wednesday 1-3 Middlesbrough: “It’s gloomy in Sheffield this winter”
Relegation looms perilously close for Sheffield Wednesday following their crushing 3-1 defeat against Middlesbrough. Boro made the most of a pivotal early lead after centre-half Yannick Bolasie's shot bounced off the defence and passed the goalkeeper, earning them a crucial initial strike that set their courageous tone for the remainder of the match. A penalty was later conceded by Mark Bola after it was concluded he had tripped Owls winger Andre Green, offering the brief respite of a leveller in advance of the half-time mark. 18-year-old Josh Coburn claimed Boro's second goal with a virtuosic header tipping the balance back in their favour, a lead capped off with Duncan Watmore's third goal for the team, pushing Wednesday closer toward the existential verge of relegation. Speaking after the match, Green said: "The game was there to be won and we had a game plan today, so it's really frustrating we didn't execute it. We had a lot of chances and we should have taken more than what we created. "The score shouldn't be what it is, but if we're not taking chances we've only got ourselves to blame. The main emotion in the dressing room is frustration and we can't keep doing the things we are doing if we want to get out of this. "The focus is on winning the next game. If it is all down to that Derby one, it will be exciting - but we will definitely be ready." Meanwhile, in the Middlesbrough camp, there was cause for celebration. The unexpected win against the Sheffield team came after a close shave against Rotherham last Wednesday, where Boro won 1-2. "The other night we didn't give anything at Rotherham, and tonight I thought it was important we didn't do the same thing," said Boro boss Neil Warnock, in a chirpy post-match interview. "It's not everyday you beat Sheffield Wednesday. "Look at Duncan Watmore - what a credit he is. I am so pleased he got his goal because he really deserved that." With the spectre of relegation casting an ominous shadow over both Sheffield Wednesday and Sheffield United as the season nears its end, fans have taken to social media to share their disdain for the Owls' performance over the weekend.
Ive had a few hours to sleep on it and reflect before I posted anything negative about my team but I’ve seen blades fans wear the Wednesday shirt with more pride than this Feckless bunch.
— Pete McKee (@PeteMcKee) April 25, 2021
Sheffield United is dropping to Championship and Sheffield Wednesday is dropping to League One. It’s gloomy in Sheffield this winter.
— #iBhacaEnt (@into_ka_kava) April 25, 2021
Children with special educational needs severely impacted by wait time “emergency”
Sheffield’s special education needs and disability (SEND) mishandling was labelled an "emergency" after a report showed that one boy missed a total of 43 months of school due to lack of support. An ombudsman report showed that 'Boy G', who was diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), missed a lengthy period of secondary education, which would have a severe impact on his educational achievement at secondary level and beyond. This was because the council failed to provide him with an Education, Health and Care (EHC) Plan within the statutory timeframe, affecting his transition from primary to secondary school. EHC plans are legal documents given to children who require more educational help than is provided by mainstream schools. It describes a child’s special needs and the extra help they require to be able to make progress in school. It can be issued to a child or young person between the age of 0 and 25 years. At an audit meeting last Thursday, Cllr Mohammed Mahroof said: “This should be classified as an emergency. It has been an area of huge concern for a long time now and parents have been suffering badly in terms of how it’s been handled. “I had a family who had contacted me, who had been waiting for almost four years to get their situation resolved. The mother was on the verge of a break down when she came to us for help.” Some 15.7% of children and young people in Sheffield schools were identified as having a special educational need, which is 0.3% higher than the national average. However, the number of children in schools with an education plan is 0.6% lower than England’s average. However, Tim Armstrong, head of Sheffield City Council's SEN department, said this did not necessarily mean that Sheffield was behind on providing EHC plans compared to other councils. He said: "One hypothesis is that this because of our early-intervention work. We give funding to children who don't have EHC plans, which would provide them with the resource they need to manage their needs without it." Andrew Jones, the Director of Education Skills at Sheffield City Council, said the council has continued to prioritise the EHC needs assessment process throughout the pandemic. He added the timeliness at which the plans are assessed has reduced and 80% of EHC Plans updated following an annual review were graded good or better from September 2020 to January 2021. The council will be meeting again in six months to review their progress.
Sheffield United 1-0 Brighton: “We are playing for our shirt and playing for our future”
The Blades secured a bittersweet win over Brighton & Hove Albion this Saturday, after the news of their relegation broke last weekend. Their first win since former-manager Chris Wilder's departure, David McGoldrick's goal in the first half gave the fans some joy after a sad week. By reaching 17 points, Sheffield United were able to make sure this year's campaign would not be remembered as one of the worst in Premier League history. The game started with the players taking the knee against racism and social injustice, in a week where clubs' social media boycott is filling the headlines. In contrast to the previous game, Jayden Bogle was brought on to replace Ethan Ampadu, who dropped to the bench. After an attempt by Bright & Hove's Neal Maupay against Aaron Ramsdale, the Blades were able to score early on off a good combination between Ben Osborn, Rhian Brewster and finally McGoldrick, who scored his eighth goal this season. "We are playing for Sheffield United, we can't down tools. Every game we have to make it tough, we are playing for our shirt and playing for our future. We showed we are still in this as a team, even though we have been relegated", said the Irish striker. The first half was dominated by the Blades with scarce chances for the visitors. However, the second half showed a different Brighton, with Seagulls starting to take control. New attempts by Maupay and Danny Welbeck were thwarted by Blades goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale. After a corner, the ball was kept alive by Adam Webster and Jakub Moder was able to score a much wanted goal for the Seagulls. Their contentment did not last long, as Moder's goal was invalidated by the video assistant referee (VAR), finding him to have been offside. Sheffield United was not able to create another meaningful chance until the 60th minute, but a combination between Osborn and McGoldrick was saved by goalkeeper Robert Sanchez. The game progressed and Maupay had an incredible chance to even the score but was unable to convert, his shot missing by three yards. Speaking after the match, Brighton boss Graham Potter said to Sky Sports: "Football is about scoring goals and we did not do it today. We pushed and pushed, maybe could have got a goal but it was not to be. We needed a bit more quality over the course of the game". On the other end, Sheffield United interim boss Paul Heckingbottom was satisfied with the result: "The players deserve the utmost credit. We spoke before the game and for them it's justice and the right result for their attitude because it’s been a tough, tough season". This week, Premier League clubs are joining a four-day boycott of social media to combat abuse and discrimination. At the end of the game, the two coaches addressed the subject, giving it their full support. "I’m fully behind it. I think we have to try and do something. Social media can be fantastic in lots of different ways, however, is used too often in the wrong ways. Hopefully we can make some action”, said Heckingbottom. Porter shared similar sentiments: "It's a great statement from the whole of football. It's unacceptable. Social media platforms can do more and hopefully this position we're taking can force them to do more".
Pinned down for protest – Sheffield students continue building occupation stand-off against rent payments and sexual violence claims
Forced to the ground for occupying a university building last week, three Sheffield Hallam undergraduates have refused to abandon their indoor protest. They are demanding students receive a rent rebate for their second term and that sexual violence allegations are taken seriously by the university. Part of a wider collective named Sheffield Hallam Uni Rent Strike Group, the steadfast occupiers also outlined how security staff in university housing had allegedly committed verbally sexual misconduct against three different students. "On two separate occasions at the same accommodation, two different girls have gone to security to complain about an incident, and they’ve been told that’s what they get for being pretty," said one occupier, 20, who wished to remain anonymous for concern of the university’s retaliation to the occupation. "There’s also one other person who was catcalled by security who said 'That’s a nice outfit, it would look better on my bedroom floor,'" the Politics student added. A member of the SHU Rent Strike Group set up in December 2020, the undergraduate revealed how the group’s WhatsApp chat had enabled students to vocalise their bad experiences. Of the three undergraduates who secured Hallam’s Cantor building with bike locks at 6pm last Thursday, the Politics student and another male first year were charged at and forced to the floor by security staff as they managed to regain entry. "They came at us, threw us to the floor and pinned us down, which is assault because they’re security guards, they’re not allowed to do that" said the Politics undergraduate who is visibly held to the ground in the video above. The second male undergraduate, a 19-year-old Geography student, said: "I was kind of scared, I mean the security guard was almost twice my size and he was charging at me, so I had to run pretty much." Requiring an eviction notice and court injunction, security and university staff were unable to forcibly remove the students from the premises. The third student, an 18-year-old Philosophy undergraduate who filmed the incident said: "I saw that they had tackled the others and so I just pulled my phone out and started recording and asking them to stop. It was stressful, it was scary." The footage has now reached more than 21,000 views on Twitter, leading to support from Sheffield councillors and members of the Green Party. Labour Cllr Ben Miskell said: "The video was particularly shocking and it’s not acceptable to restrain students who are protesting. Given the public nature of the footage and how highly charged the debate about the misuse of restraint techniques is, I think it’s important that the university publish the outcomes of its investigation."
Commenting on the students' demand for an end to sexual violence in their university, the councillor added: "The killing of Sarah Everard and the Everyone’s Invited website has really shone a light on rape culture. Universities and schools have to do more to combat it and men like me have to call out the behaviour of other men. It’s great to see people speaking out. It’s important that we support those in society prepared to take a stand, that’s why I’m backing the demands of those students occupying Sheffield Hallam’s Cantor building at the moment." In a press statement, Sheffield Hallam University said it was investigating the incident between the student protesters and security officers. A University spokesperson said: "We want to support students who are understandably concerned about paying for accommodation they may not be able to use during the pandemic, so are working closely with accommodation providers to try and ensure that tenancy agreements reflect the current circumstances. "The University has a zero tolerance approach to sexual harassment and violence. Our Report and Support system is in place for both students and staff, who can choose to report anonymously if they wish. We also have a range of support services run by experienced staff at the University, who can provide advice and support for our students whenever needed. We are committed to working with other universities across the sector to ensure that universities are safe places for all."Always happy to show some solidarity @SHUrentstrike ✊🏻 (even if holding up my phone to a window is the only way to communicate). https://t.co/eSFAuFaaIW
— Cllr Ben Miskell (@benmiskell) April 23, 2021
Campaigners appeal for thousands of new jobs across South Yorkshire at Green New Deal rally
Thousands of new jobs could be created to replace all those lost in Sheffield due to the Covid-19 pandemic, according to campaigners who rallied outside Sheffield Town Hall on Saturday. The activists from Green New Deal UK South Yorkshire said more than 10,000 jobs could be created in the next two years for the city if the government was to invest in green jobs. They currently estimate 6,000 jobs will have been lost because of the pandemic. According to the group, 66,000 new jobs could also be generated across South Yorkshire over the next ten years. Ruth Powell, one of the organisers, said: “What we want is for the government to invest as part of their Covid-19 recovery plan in green jobs, which are well paid, secure jobs. We’ve just seen what’s happened with John Lewis, all those jobs gone, so today is about making people aware and asking people what they want to see for our future.” She explained that green jobs are those which look after the planet and those which benefit society, like teaching, protecting green spaces, or retro-fitting homes to reduce carbon emissions. In a performance, a diverse group of campaigners, including a student, a healthcare worker and a food grower, shared their reasons for supporting Green New Deal. They also hung a washing line on the front of Sheffield Town Hall and invited the public to share the type of jobs they would like to see. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lOVuS7YllRk The action is part of a nationwide campaign, calling on the government to invest £68 billion to create 1.2 million new green jobs across the UK. “It won’t be cheap, but it will be an investment in our long-term future,” Ms Powell said. She also added that the action was vital because of the climate crisis. “We’ve seen the effects of it in the last few years, with the increased flooding in the South Yorkshire region and the air pollution in Sheffield – there’s a spot down by the train station that’s got the second worst air pollution rate in the country. "We need action now.”
Police appeal for information after man is threatened with axe at Dodworth Station
Police are appealing for information after a man was threatened with an axe at a South Yorkshire train station.
Two hooded men entered Dodworth station carrying a pair of bolt cutters at 8pm on Monday 22 March 2021.
The two men walked across the railway tracks and out of the station, leaving the bolt cutters behind.
After returning to the station a short time later, the two men found the victim attempting to move the bolt cutters.
The victim was threatened when one of the men lifted his top to reveal a small axe tucked into his waistband.
The British Transport Police (BTP) have released images of the suspects and are appealing for information from the public.
If you have any information, please contact BTP by texting 61016 or calling 0800 40 50 40 quoting reference 486 of 22/03/21.
Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
New study finds gardening is good for your health
Improvements in wellbeing, perceived stress and physical activity have been overwhelmingly linked to gardening by a new study undertaken in collaboration with the University of Sheffield. The study indicates that people who garden every day have wellbeing scores 6.6% higher and stress levels 4.2% lower than people who do not garden at all. Co-author Dr Ross Cameron, of the University of Sheffield, said: “This research provides further empirical data to support the value of gardening and gardens for mental restoration and promoting a calmness of mind. We also found a greater proportion of plants in the garden was linked with greater wellbeing, suggesting even just viewing ‘green’ gardens may help.”
Dr Ross Cameron
“Please don’t go”: The reaction of residents to the closure of Sheffield’s iconic John Lewis store
"Please don't go. You will be missed." This is just one of the notes left on the windows of Sheffield's beloved John Lewis department store after it was announced it would not be reopening after lockdown ended. The announcement, made on 24 March, has left much of the city bereft. It is hard to find a Sheffielder without cherished memories of the place. The abundance of paper hearts and cards left by locals goes to demonstrate the outpouring of affection towards the institution which has stood proudly in the city centre for 174 years.
Paper hearts on the window of John Lewis
A heartfelt poster left by a John Lewis customer
Images of the John Lewis and its staff throughout the store's history adorn the windows of the closed store